Meeting in Kreisau - Krzyzowa, 23. - 29.2.2012 - Ποιειν Και Πραττειν

Meeting in Kreisau - Krzyzowa, 23. - 29.2.2012

First meeting in Kreisau / Krzyżowa (Poland) 23.-29.02.212

Reaccounting the 'Nation and Identity' youth project

Presumably the link between 'nation and identity' is altered once an appeal to Patriotism is made. Whether this is really a viable alternative to Nationalism as is often claimed, that this is not at all self-understood. The problem of making a clear distinction between these two forms became evident in due course of discussions with European youth. They had come together in Kreisau, Poland at the beginning of 2012, and this thanks to the project 'Nation and Identity'. For both Nationalism and Patriotism appear to be very similar, differences at times merely a matter of fake distinctions. It might be that the only real difference relates to Patriotism being used within a different political and cultural context, historically and politically speaking, when compared with the Nationalism which was on the rise in Europe of the nineteenth century. With dangers of extreme Nationalism making its reappearance in many European countries, all more important was for this discussion the possibility to refer to and to draw inspiration from the Kreisau circle. It stood for a non violent resistance against Hitler's National Socialism and was based on a non discriminatory practice towards the other, in particular the Jew.

By departing from the philosopher Jürgen Habermas and his concept of Patriotism, it became evident to them that the identity question within a global world is beset by countless problems. As Europe and several of its member states, including Greece, go through a severe economic crisis, it was also noted that populism was on the increase. As such the search for simple solutions to the economic crisis was interpreted as a risk to reinforce a tendency to flee back into the national fold. Thus the website of Wilders in Holland was examined, just as much as Nationalism in the respective member states was compared. Interestingly enough the youth from Germany spoke about a alarm system set off the moment Nationalism was being approached. How different Nationalism under Hitler is from current expressions like painting the German flag in the face when attending World Football games, that was taken up as well when the youth made drawings and cartoons as a part of a visual exhibition of their thoughts.

The question if Patriotism is an alternative to Nationalism was critically examined in working groups and plenary discussions. A consensus emerged that politics using the tool of Patriotism has to be appraised in the light of both history and current developments. Also it became evident that while philosophical reflections are very demanding and often confusing, nevertheless they are worthwhile to be taken into consideration. Here the concept of world governance as articulated by Jürgen Habermas became a central concept in the discussion. Since based on the value premise of human dignity in need to be preserved and respected by all, there follows the question but what nations have to do to attain such a world governance? If it means that they have to give up a part of their claim to sovereignty, are they really willing and able to integrate themselves into a larger unity? According to Jürgen Habermas the European Union sets an example for this transition from nation statehood to world governance. Hence the conclusion may well be that if there is to be found a continuity to what the Kreisau circle stands for, namely an anti discriminatory practice to uphold the basic principle that all human beings are equal, then current political practices must avoid falling back to Nationalism while learning to use the tool of Patriotism wisely, that is in a self critical and conscious manner as to what Nationalism meant in history.

In all the discussions being at the Kreisau estate, and especially after having learned more about the history of the Kreisau circle, had an inspirational impact.

Castle from behind Photo by Nikiforos Tsaravopoulos

Nation and Identity I: Define, Debate, Understand

Thursday 23.2

Arrival in Kreisau - Krzyzowa

Most of them came via Wroclaw by bus to Kreisau

Friday 24.2

After breakfast (8.00 - 9.00) warm-up exercise followed by debate

Introductory lecture by Hatto Fischer

Discussion about Nationalism in comparison to Patriotism

Lunch + break (13.00 - 15.00)

In the afternoon interview techniques and questionnaire

Saturday 25.2

Warm-up and further discussion about key terms

Entering collaborative learning processes

Guided tour through historical sites of the Kreisau Circle

Paul giving a guided tour

Lunch + break (13.00 - 15.00)

Patriotism in my country: Patriotism stolen and regained

Reading of texts:

The Inclusion of the Other? Habermas and the Paradox of Tolerance Author(s): Lasse Thomassen Reviewed work(s): Source: Political Theory, Vol. 34, No. 4 (Aug., 2006), pp. 439-462 Published by: Sage Publications, Inc.Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/20452474 .

Sunday 26.2

Identity workshop: differences between European, national and local identity

Visualization of national identity

Monday 27.2

Day trip to Wroclaw

Tuesday 28.2

Methodological clarification about use of questionaires

Practical analysis and interpretation of articles highlighting reoccurance of Nationalism and Patriotism - with Hatto Fischer

Deciding which open questions to use in addition to the questionnaire

Final evaluation

Friday 29.2

Time already for departure